Monday, April 10, 2017

~The Keeper Of Home Series~

When I feel like this world is just too crazy, it is a blessing to have a home that provides peace and comfort.  Home can be your safe haven, a place to nourish your spirit and evoke creativity.  I am excited to share this series with you.  Today I will start with one of the most basic things that I believe makes a happy home.  Home cooked food.  Food not only is a necessity but it also is a comfort to our spirits.  One thing that I enjoy is playing nice music while we eat.  I don't do this all the time, just every now and then.  In this photo I have Youtube Coffee House Jazz music going.  I also love bluegrass, big band, music from the 1940's and of course I love me some Christmas music!
Yesterday morning, I made our traditional Sunday morning breakfast.  I made some freshly baked blueberry muffins to go along with our eggs and sausage.  It would be easier to purchase already made muffins from the store.  However, they don't taste as good, they cost more and the ingredients are many times not healthy.  I always cook with organic, unbleached flour and use eggs and milk that have no hormones given to the animal.  These things are important to me.  I want to give my family the healthiest food that I can.  Yes, it takes a little time, but there is something that satisfies my heart about creating something yummy for my family.  It is truly made with love.  The same goes for meals, I keep a list of simple home cooked meals that I can use when making up my weekly menu.  I have said for years it is what you do 90% of the time that counts.  Meaning, there are some nights when I make a meal using pre-made food or take out.  However, I strive to make that an every now and then thing, rather than a way of life.
 I like the saying "Enjoy the Little Things".  Here is a little thing that makes me happy.  I just love the look of the blueberries before they are folded into the muffin batter.  When we slow down enough to have the chance to appreciate the beauty in our everyday lives, it truly makes us a happier person.
 About once every two weeks, I bake a little treat for the children to enjoy after school.  They always are excited when they find out there is a little treat waiting for them at home.  These sorts of things foster good childhood memories.  Good childhood memories will last long after their childhood is past.  You only get one chance to care for your little ones, so make the most of it.  I try to avoid having my children involved in too many outside activities, because I don't want my children to have to run non-stop.  I want them to learn to smell the roses and truly spend good quality time with them.  

One thing that is a staple in our little home is fresh squeezed lemonade.  We always have iced tea and coffee in abundance as well as cold water and lemon.
 I thought I would share how I make our Lemonade.  First I juice 4 large lemons, or 6 small.
Next I pour the juice through a strainer and into my pitcher.  I fill the pitcher with water and add 1 and a half cups of sugar.  This may sound like a lot, but it is still a lot less than soda and much better for you!  
 Preparing home made meals is such a gift that you can give yourself and your family.  A great deal of home made food is simple to make.  It just takes a little planning, to ensure that you have all of the ingredients needed.  I do a weekly meal plan and before I make my shopping list, I make sure I don't have the ingredients that I need already.  I hope that you enjoyed this little post.  I thought I would share the picture of our little house.  We have the heart wreath on the door in honor of Tristyn and Kaylee's upcoming wedding.  My baby is getting married!!!!  I hope you all have a wonderful week.  Hugs.  Juli    

2 comments:

  1. I knew I would love this!
    I love the way you describe your home as being a place to seek comfort in a crazy world.
    That is exactly how I view ours.
    And thank you for the lemonade recipe!!!
    Have a cozy day, my friend!

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  2. I am an avid fan of homemaking as a career. This looks to be a great series. Thanks. Nannie

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